Springfield City Council approves $95,000 for special casino election, rejects Saturday balloting

A Springfield City Council committee has voted to recommend passage of a home rule bill that, if approved by the full council, Mayor Domenic J. Sarno and the state Legislature, would require that all new school principals, vice-principals and school directors live in Springfield.John Suchocki / The Republican [file]

SPRINGFIELD – Setting the stage for the July casino referendum, the City Council approved a $95,000 transfer to the Election Commission Monday after discussing - and then rejecting - the possibility of switching the vote from a Tuesday to a Saturday.

Councilors voted 12-0 to transfer $95,000 from the free cash reserve after Election Commissioner Gladys Oyola explained that all election costs will be repaid by MGM Resorts International, the developer proposing an $80 million casino in the South End.

The full cost of the election is expected to reach $220,000, but the $95,000 will go for advertising, mailings to voters and related up-front costs, Oyola said. The balance will be included in the fiscal 2014 budget, which takes effect on July 1.

Councilor John A. Lysak suggested moving the election from July 16, a Tuesday, to July 20, a Saturday, to ensure that highest possible turnout.

Everett plans to hold its referendum on Wynn Resorts casino plan on Saturday, according to Lysak, who said local governments are also scheduling more regular elections on Saturdays as well.

“It’s the biggest building project in the history of the city,” said Lysak, adding that a Saturday date would be more convenient for voters and involve less traffic at school polling places.

Several other councilors also expressed interest in the idea.

But Oyola and City Solicitor Edward Pikula said holding a Saturday vote would likely confuse voters and create more work for city officials already dealing with four other elections in next six months.

Between June and November, voters will face a primary and general election to fill the vacant U.S. Senate seat, a preliminary and general election for City Council and School Committee candidates, and the referendum on the proposal by MGM Resorts International.

Oyola said the idea of Saturday elections was interesting, but she was reluctant to experiment with it on an issue as crucial as the casino vote.

“I don’t want to use this election as a test,” she said.

Lysak said he was pleased the idea of Saturday elections was was discussed. But he also expressed support for Oyola’s judgement on the matter.

In another matter, the council sent a proposal to seek home rule legislation requiring all new principals, vice principals and school directors to live in the city back to a subcommittee for further study and discussion with school officials.